Enhancing the annual yield via nitrogen fertilizer application optimization in the direct seeding ratoon rice system.

Direct seeding ratoon rice (DSRR) system is a planting method that can significantly increase grain yield, improving light and temperature utilization efficiency and reducing labor input. However, the current nitrogen fertilizer management method which does not aim at the seedling emergence and development characteristics of DSRR just is only based on the traditional method of transplanting ratoon rice, and which is not conducive to the population development and yield improvement. To determine the suitable nitrogen fertilizer application optimization, we set four nitrogen fertilizer application treatments (N0, no nitrogen fertilizer; N1, traditional nitrogen fertilizer; N2, transferring 20% of total nitrogen from basal fertilizer to tillering stage; N3, reducing total nitrogen by 10% from N2 tillering fertilizer) on a hybrid rice "Fengliangyouxiang1 (FLYX1)" and an inbred rice "Huanghuazhan (HHZ)" under DSRR. The effects of treatments on dry matter accumulation, root growth and vigor, leaf area index, leaf senescence rate and yield were investigated. Our results demonstrated that the yield of main crop in N2 treatment was the highest, which was 63.3%, 6.6% and 8.8% higher than that of N0, N1 and N3 treatment, respectively, mainly due to the difference of effective panicle and spikelets number per m2. The average of two years and varieties, the annual yield of N2 was significant higher than that of N1 and N3 by 4.94% and 8.55%, respectively. However, there was no significant difference between the annual yields of N1 and N3. N2 treatment had significant effects on the accumulation of aboveground dry matter mass which was no significant difference in 20 days after sowing(DAS), but significant difference in 50 DAS. Meanwhile, the root activity and the leaf senescence rate of N2 treatment was significant lower than that of other treatments. In summary, "20% of total nitrogen was transferred from basal fertilizer to tillering stage" can improve the annual yield and main crop development of DSRR system. Further reducing the use of nitrogen fertilizer may significantly improve the production efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer and improve the planting income in DSRR system.

Dexmedetomidine improves the acute stress reactivity of male rat through interventions of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 and nNOS in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis.

Moderate acute stress responses are beneficial for adaptation and maintenance of homeostasis. Exposure of male rat to stress induces effects in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), for it can be activated by the same stimuli that induce activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, the underlying mechanism of the BNST on male stress reactivity remains unclear. In this study, we explored whether systematic administration of dexmedetomidine (DEXM) altered the acute stress reactivity through its effect on the BNST. Male Sprague-Dawley rats in the stress (STRE) group, DEXM group, and the DEXM + GSK-650394 (GSK, an antagonist of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1)) group, except those in the vehicle (VEH) group, underwent 1-h restraint plus water-immersion (RPWI) exposure. All the rats proceeded the open field test (OFT) 24 h before RPWI and 1 h after RPWI. After the second OFT, the rats received VEH, DEXM (75 µg/kg i.p.), or were pretreated with GSK (2 µM i.p.) 0.5 h ahead of DEXM respectively. The third OFT was conducted 6 h after drug administration and then the rats were sacrificed. The rats that experienced RPWI showed dramatically elevated serum corticosterone (CORT), multiplied neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and SGK1 in the BNST, and terrible OFT behavior. We discovered when the nNOS and SGK1 were decreased in the rat BNST through DEXM treatment, the serum CORT was reduced and the OFT manifestation was ameliorated, whereas these were restrained by GSK application. Our results reveal that modest interventions to SGK1 and nNOS in the BNST improve the male rat reactivity to acute stress, and DEXM was one modulator of these effects.

Involvement of the ERK signaling pathways in the NAc in propofol-seeking behavior induced by cues in rats.

Propofol, an intravenous short-acting anesthetic, has the potential to induce craving and relapse. Accumulated evidence demonstrates that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) plays an essential role in drug reward and relapse. In the previous study, we demonstrated that the ERK signaling pathways in the Nucleus accumbens (NAc) were involved in propofol reward. However, the role of the ERK signaling pathways in propofol relapse is still unknown. We first trained rats to self-administer propofol for 14 days, then evaluated propofol-seeking behavior of relapse induced by a contextual cues and conditioned cues after 14-day withdrawal. Meanwhile, MEK inhibitor U0126 was used to investigate the role of the ERK signal pathways in propofol-seeking behavior induced by contextual cues and conditioned cues. Results showed that the number of active nose-poke responses in propofol-seeking behavior induced by conditioned cues was much higher compared to contextual cues. U0126 (5.0 µg/side, Lateral Ventricle (LV)) pretreatment significantly decreased the active responses induced by conditioned cues, which was associated with a large decline in the expression of p-ERK in the NAc. Moreover, microinjectionofU0126 (2.0 µg/side) in the NAc also attenuated the active responses of propofol-seeking behavior. Additionally, microinjections with U0126 in the LV (5.0 µg/side) or NAc (2.0 µg/side) both failed to alter sucrose self-administration or locomotor activity of rats. Therefore, we conclude that ERK phosphorylation in the NAc maybe involved in propofol relapse.

The role of NMDA receptors in rat propofol self-administration.

BACKGROUND: Propofol is among the most frequently used anesthetic agents, and it has the potential for abuse. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are key mediators neural plasticity, neuronal development, addiction, and neurodegeneration. In the present study, we explored the role of these receptors in the context of rat propofol self-administration. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley Rats were trained to self-administer propofol (1.7 mg/kg/infusion) using a fixed-ratio (FR) schedule over the course of 14 sessions (3 h/day). After training, rats were intraperitoneally administered the non-competitive NDMA receptor antagonist MK-801, followed 10 min later by a propofol self-administration session. RESULTS: After training, rats successfully underwent acquisition of propofol self-administration, as evidenced by a significant and stable rise in the number of active nose-pokes resulting in propofol administration relative to the number of control inactive nose-pokes (P < 0.01). As compared to control rats, rats that had been injected with 0.2 mg/kg MK-801 exhibited a significantly greater number of propofol infusions (F (3, 28) = 4.372, P < 0.01), whereas infusions were comparable in the groups administered 0.1 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg of this compound. In addition, MK-801 failed to alter the numbers of active (F (3, 28) = 1.353, P > 0.05) or inactive (F (3, 28) = 0.047, P > 0.05) responses in these study groups. Animals administered 0.4 mg/kg MK-801 exhibited significantly fewer infusions than animals administered 0.2 mg/kg MK-801 (P = 0.006, P < 0.01). In contrast, however, animals in the 0.4 mg/kg MK-801 group displayed a significant reduction in the number of active nose-poke responses (F (3, 20) = 20.8673, P < 0.01) and the number of sucrose pellets (F (3, 20) = 23.77, P < 0.01), while their locomotor activity was increased (F (3, 20) = 22.812, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that NMDA receptors may play a role in regulating rat self-administration of propofol.

The different influences of drought stress at the flowering stage on rice physiological traits, grain yield, and quality.

Seasonal drought is a major threat to rice production. However, the sensitivity of rice to drought stress (DS) at different growth periods remains unclear. The objective of this study was to reveal the different impacts of DS at the flowering stage on rice physiological traits, grain yield, and quality. Field experiments were conducted with two rice cultivars, Yangliangyou 6 (YLY6) and Hanyou 113 (HY113) under two water treatments (traditional flooding (CK) and DS at flowering stage) in 2013 and 2014. Compared with CK, grain yield (GY) under DS was significantly reduced by 23.2% for YLY6 and 24.0% for HY113 while instantaneous water use efficiency (IWUE) was significantly increased by 39% for YLY6 and 37% for HY113, respectively. All physiological traits were significantly decreased under DS and physiological activities did not revert to normal levels at grain filling stage. There was no significant effect on the appearance and nutritional quality except for the significant increase in chalky kernel and chalkiness under DS. Our data suggest that drought stress at flowering stage has a strong influence on rice physiological traits and yield. Stronger recovery capability contributes to maintaining relatively high grain production, which could be a great target for the breeder in developing drought-tolerant rice cultivars.

Dopamine D1 Receptor Within Basolateral Amygdala Is Involved in Propofol Relapse Behavior Induced by Cues.

Propofol has been proven to be potentially abused by humans and laboratory animals; however, studies that have examined propofol relapse behavior are limited, and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we examined whether basolateral amygdala-specific or systematic administration of the dopamine receptor antagonist alters cue-induced propofol-seeking behaviors in a rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats first received 14 days of propofol self-administration training, where active nose poke resulted in the delivery of propofol infusion paired with a tone and light cues. After 1-30 days of forced abstinence, the cue-induced propofol-seeking behaviors were tested in the operant chamber. We demonstrated, for the first time, after a few days of withdrawal from intravenous bolus administration of propofol, propofol-related cues could induce robust reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. Systematic administration of dopamine D1 receptor antagonist (SCH-23390) or dopamine D2 receptor antagonist (spiperone) inhibited propofol relapse behavior induced by drug-related cues. Furthermore, we show that microinfusion of SCH-23390 into basolateral amygdala dose-dependently attenuated cue-induced propofol drug-seeking behavior, whereas infusion of spiperone had no effect on the propofol relapse behavior. Our results reveal the involvement of dopamine receptors within the basolateral amygdala in the cue-induced propofol relapse behavior in rats.

Contribution of the α5 GABAA receptor to the discriminative stimulus effects of propofol in rat.

Propofol as an agonist of GABAA receptor has a rewarding and discriminative stimulus effect. However, which subtype of the GABAA receptor is involved in the discriminative stimulus effects of propofol is still not clear. We observed the effects of an agonist or an antagonist of the subtype-selective GABAA receptor on discriminative stimulus effects of propofol. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate 10 mg/kg (intraperitoneal) propofol from intralipid under a fixed-ratio 10 schedule of food reinforcement. We found that propofol produced dose-dependent substitution for propofol at 10 mg/kg, with response rate reduction only at a dose above those producing the complete substitution. CL218,872 (1-3 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), an α1 subunit-selective GABAA receptor agonist, and SL651,498 (0.3-3 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), an α2/3 GABAA receptor selective agonist, could partially substitute for the discriminative stimulus effects of propofol (40-80% propofol-appropriate responding). Meanwhile, L838,417 (0.2-0.6 mg/kg, intravenous), a α2/3/5 GABAA receptor selective agonist, could produce near 100% propofol-appropriate responding and completely substitute for propofol effects. Moreover, the administration of L655,708, the α5 GABAA receptor inverse agonist, could dose dependently attenuate the discriminative stimulus of propofol. In contrast, the α1 GABAA receptor antagonist ß-CCt (1-3 mg/kg) combined with propofol (10 mg/kg) failed to block the propofol effect. The data showed that propofol produces discriminative stimulus effects in a dose-dependent manner and acts mainly on the α5 GABAA to produce the discriminative stimulus effect.

Glucocorticoid receptor in rat nucleus accumbens: Its roles in propofol addictions.

Propofol has been demonstrated as a drug of abuse in humans. Our previous study indicated that dexamethasone, a potent agonist of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), inhibited propofol-maintained rat self-administration behaviors by systematic injection. However, the direct effect of GR in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) on propofol self-administration behavior has not been explored. The propofol-maintained self-administration was established in rats after a successive 3-h daily self-administration of propofol for 14days. On day 15, 30min prior to the last training, rats received one of three doses (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0µg/site) of dexamethasone or vehicle via intra-NAc injection. The number of active nose-poke responses, propofol injections, and inactive nose-poke responses was recorded. Dopamine D1 receptor and c-Fos expressions were detected. Plasma corticosterone level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intra-NAc administration of dexamethasone (1.0 and 3.0µg/site) facilitated the active nose-poke responses, which was accompanied by the upregulation of D1 receptor and c-Fos in the NAc. Plasma corticosterone level was not changed in dexamethasone-treated groups. This study provides crucial evidence that GR in the NAc plays an important role in regulating propofol self-administration behaviors in rats, which may be mediated by changes in D1 receptor and c-Fos expressions, and this also needs further examination with GR antagonist in the future.

Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided subcostal transversus abdominis plane block.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy on defined areas of the abdomen and back after ultrasound-guided subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block using 0.25% levobupivacaine 0.5 mL/kg. METHODS: Twenty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, between 20 and 60 years of age with operative time <1 hour, received subcostal TAP block using 0.25% levobupivacaine 0.5 mL/kg on the left side. Surgery started after 1 hour of observation. Sensory assessment was undertaken using pinprick and 75% ethyl alcohol at 10, 20, 30 minutes, 1, 3, and 12 hours after TAP block at 19 testing zones that were divided by anatomic landmark lines on the abdomen and the back. Efficacy of zone was defined as loss of cold temperature sensation or loss of pinprick pain sensation in more than 50% patients in that testing zone. Duration was determined by analgesia and loss of temperature sensation beginning within 30 minutes of TAP block placement lasting until time points of 1, 3, and 12 hours. All of the testing zones were divided as Group I effective at 20 minutes in less than 50% patients (0%-50%), Group II 50% to 70% patients, Group III 70% to 90% patients, and Group IV 90% to 100% patients. RESULTS: Twenty patients meeting the study requirements were included. At each time point, the efficacies among 4 groups were significantly different. Subcostal TAP had good efficacy and stable duration in zones 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. CONCLUSION: Subcostal TAP block with 0.25% levobupivacaine 0.5 mL/kg dose provided effective analgesia in the anterior abdominal wall between medioventral line to anterior axillary line except the lateral upper abdominal region.

In vitro assessment of 24 CYP2D6 allelic isoforms on the metabolism of methadone.

CYP2D6 is an important member of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme super family, with at least 100 CYP2D6 alleles being previously identified. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6 significantly influence the efficacy and safety of some drugs, which might cause adverse effects and therapeutic failure. The aim of this study was to clarify the catalytic activities of 24 CYP2D6 alleles on the oxidative in vitro metabolism of methadone. Reactions were incubated with 50-2000 µM methadone for 30 min at 37 °C and terminated by cooling to -80 °C immediately. Methadone and the major metabolite EDDP were analyzed by an ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) system. Compared with wild-type CYP2D6*1, most variants showed significantly altered values in Vmax and intrinsic clearance (Vmax /Km ). Only three variants (CYP2D6*88, *91 and E215K) exhibited markedly increased intrinsic clearance values, and one variant CYP2D6*94 showed no significant difference. On the other hand, the kinetic parameters of two CYP2D6 variants (CYP2D6*92 and *96) could not be determined because they had no detectable enzyme activity, whereas 18 variants exhibited significantly decreased values. To sum up, this study demonstrated that more attention should be paid in clinical administration of methadone to individuals carrying these CYP2D6 alleles. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase in Nucleus Accumbens Mediates Propofol Self-Administration in Rats.

Clinical and animal studies have indicated that propofol has potential for abuse, but the specific neurobiological mechanism underlying propofol reward is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signal transduction pathways in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in propofol self-administration. We tested the expression of p-ERK in the NAc following the maintenance of propofol self-administration in rats. We also assessed the effect of administration of SCH23390, an antagonist of the D1 dopamine receptor, on the expression of p-ERK in the NAc in propofol self-administering rats, and examined the effects of intra-NAc injection of U0126, an MEK inhibitor, on propofol reinforcement in rats. The results showed that the expression of p-ERK in the NAc increased significantly in rats maintained on propofol, and pre-treatment with SCH23390 inhibited the propofol self-administration and diminished the expression of p-ERK in the NAc. Moreover, intra-NAc injection of U0126 (4 µg/side) attenuated the propofol self-administration. The data suggest that ERK signal transduction pathways coupled with D1 dopamine receptors in the NAc may be involved in the maintenance of propofol self-administration and its rewarding effects.

Glucocorticoid receptor mediated the propofol self-administration by dopamine D1 receptor in nucleus accumbens.

Propofol, a widely used anesthetic, can cause addictive behaviors in both human and experimental animals. In the present study, we examined the involvement of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling in the molecular process by which propofol may cause addiction. The propofol self-administration model was established by a fixed ratio 1 (FR1) schedule of reinforced dosing over successive 14days in rats. On day 15, the rats were treated with dexamethasone, a GR agonist (10-100µg/kg), or RU486, a GR antagonist (10-100µg/kg) at 1h prior to the last training. The animal behaviors were recorded automatically by the computer. The expression of dopamine D1 receptor in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) was examined by Western blot and the concentrations of plasma corticosterone were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To further examine the specificity of GR in the process, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist, spironolactone, and dexamethasone plus MR agonist, aldosterone, were also tested. Administration of dexamethasone (100µg/kg) or RU486 (⩾10mg/kg) significantly attenuated the rate of propofol maintained active nose-poke responses and infusions, which were accompanied by reductions in both plasma corticosterone level and the expression of D1 receptor in the NAc. Neither spironolactone alone nor dexamethasone combined with aldosterone affected the propofol-maintaining self-administrative behavior, indicating GR, but not MR, modulates the propofol reward in rats. In addition, neither the food-maintaining sucrose responses under FR1 schedule nor the locomotor activity was affected by any doses of dexamethasone or RU486 tested. These findings provide evidence that GR signaling may play an important role in propofol reward.

The use of a noninvasive hemoglobin monitor for determining fluid distribution and elimination in pediatric patients undergoing minor surgery.

In pediatric fluid therapy it would be preferable to describe distribution and elimination a fluid bolus based on repetitive hemoglobin (Hb) according to kinetic principles. Pulse CO-Oximetry is a recent advancement in patient monitoring that allows for the continuous noninvasive measurement of Hb (SpHb). The aim of this study was to describe the distribution and elimination of hydroxyethylstarch (HES) 130/0.4 in combination with crystalloids using a noninvasive Hb monitor in two cohorts of young children undergoing minor surgeries under general anesthesia. Two cohorts, 16 children aged 1-3 years and 12 aged 4-6 years, were investigated during anesthesia and minor surgical procedures. They were given a maintenance solution of lactated Ringer's and a fluid bolus of HES 130/0.4, 6 mL/kg over a period of 20 min. The whole procedure lasted 120 min, and SpHb values were measured every 10 min. The SpHb values were used to calculate plasma dilution, net volume, and mean residence time (MRT) of the infused fluid. A total of 377 measured SpHbs generated individual dilution plots that showed variability, particularly for the older cohort. Distribution and elimination rates of the infused fluid were calculated. Mean dilution plots were generated. There were no significant differences in dilution, net volume or MRT between groups. A non invasive Hb analyzer could be used to calculate fluid distribution. The variability in the data can probably be explained by reactions to anesthetic drugs, variability in measurement technique, variability in generating the complex capillary signals, and individual variability in baseline fluid status. The latter finding is important because this is a prerequisite for perioperative fluid planning for each individual.

Randomized trial of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for hepatitis B virus cirrhosis: regulation of Treg/Th17 cells.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Liver cirrhosis is one of the major consequences of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and transplantation of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (ABMSCs) is one of promising therapies for patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis (HBV-LC). However, the mechanism is unclear. The aim of the current study was to explore the role of Treg/Th17 cells in ABMSCs transplantation in patients with HBV-LC. METHODS: In this prospective study, 56 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to transplantation group and control group. After 24-week follow-up, 39 patients completed the study (20 cases in transplantation group and 19 cases in control group). The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, liver function, changes of Treg/Th17 cells, as well as related transcription factors and serum cytokines, were determined. RESULTS: Although patients in both groups showed significant improvement after Entecavir treatment, ABMSC transplantation further improved patients' liver function. Moreover, there was a significant increase in Treg cells and a marked decrease in Th17 cells in the transplantation group compared with control, leading to an increased Treg/Th17 ratio. Furthermore, mRNA levels of Treg-related transcription factor (Foxp3) and Th17-related transcription factor (RORγt) were increased and decreased, respectively. In addition, serum transforming growth factor-ß levels were significantly higher at early weeks of transplantation, while serum levels of interleukin-17, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 were significantly lower in patients in the transplantation group compared with control. CONCLUSION: ABMSCs transplantation was effective in improving liver function in patients with HBV-LC, which was mediated, at least in part, through the regulation of Treg/Th17 cell balance.

Differential involvement of GABAA and GABAB receptors in propofol self-administration in rats.

AIM: Propofol has shown abuse potential. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of GABA(A) antagonist and GABA(B) agonist on propofol reinforcement. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer propofol at a dose of 1.7 mg/kg per infusion under a fixed ratio (FR1) schedule of reinforcement for 14 d. In a separate set of experiments, food-maintained self-administration under a fixed ratio (FR5) schedule and locomotor activities of Sprague-Dawley rats were examined. RESULTS: GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline (0.25 mg/kg, ip) significantly increased the number of injections and active responses. Pretreatment with GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen (3 mg/kg, ip) significantly decreased the number of active responses and total infusions of propofol during the training session. Moreover, microinjection of baclofen (50 and 100 ng/side) into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) significantly decreased the number of active responses and total infusions of propofol. Neither baclofen (1-3 mg/kg, ip) nor bicuculline (0.25-1 mg/kg, ip) affected food-maintained responses or motor activities. CONCLUSION: Propofol maintains its reward properties partially through GABA(A) receptor activation. Stimulation of GABA(B) receptors in VTA may counteract the reinforcing properties of propofol.

[Analgesic and sedative effects of multimodal analgesia in stage of emergence after general anesthesia for cleft lip and/or palate prosthesis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of multimodal analgesia on analgesia and sedation during emergence of general anesthesia for cleft lip and/or palate surgery pediatric patients. METHODS: Fifty-four pediatric patients with ASA I and II cleft lip and/or palate, aged 2-7, undergoing prosthesis were randomly allocated into 2 groups: control group (Group C, n=28) inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen (50%:50%) and sevoflurane(5%) for general anesthesia, and multimodal group (Group M, n=26), injected intravenously with fentanyl and atracurium in addition to inhalation of nitrous oxide/oxygen (50%:50%) and sevoflurane (5%). Ventilation was controlled with PCV modal to maintain end-tidal CO2 to 35-45 mmHg. Local anesthesia at the surgical site was facilitated by the surgeon before the beginning of surgery. After intubation, rectal paracetamol was used for Group M (120 mg for 2-4 year-olds and 325 mg for 5-7 year-olds) and fentanyl 0.5 microg/kg was injected for postoperative analgesia 10 min before the end of surgery. An observer who was blinded to the protocol recorded the time from the discontinuation of sevoflurane and nitrous oxide to tracheal extubation, accessed the sedation and pain scale, recorded the time ready for discharge from post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and the incidence of adverse effects. RESULTS: The time ready for discharge from PACU of Group M was (25+/-4) min, significantly shorter than that of Group C [(32+/-3) min, t=7.426, P<0.01]. The analgesia satisfaction rate of Group M was 69.2% (18/26), significantly higher than that of Group C [25.0%, 7/28, P<0.05]. The severe pain rate of Group M was 7.7%, significantly lower than that of Group C (35.7%, F=5.333, P=0.021). The agitation rate of Group M was 11.5%, significantly lower than that of Group C (39.3%, F=4.571, P=0.033). CONCLUSION: Multimodal analgesic regimen of infiltration of local anesthetic at surgical site and rectal paracetamol and intravenous fentanyl provides sufficient analgesia, minimizes the incidence of agitation after general anesthesia in cleft lip and/or palate surgery for children, increases the speed of referring patients in PACU, and ensures the safety of the postanaesthetic patients.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on bispectral index and plasma beta-endorphin in patients undergoing colonoscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on bispectral index (BIS) and plasma beta-endorphin (beta-EP) level in patients undergoing colonoscopy. METHODS: Sixty patients were equally randomized into EA group and control group with 30 cases in each. EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 4-6 V) was applied to the right Zusanli (ST 36) and Shangjuxu (ST 37), and the left Yinlingquan (SP 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and bilateral Hegu (LI 4) respectively 30 min before colonoscopy. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and BIS in two groups were continuously monitored during the study. Plasma beta-EP concentration was detected by radioimmunoassay. The patient's adverse reactions (including pain, satisfaction degree, etc.) were evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) and verbal stress scale (VSS). RESULTS: Self-comparison showed that MAP and HR in control group increased significantly during colonoscope's splenic flexure passing (P<0.05). Whereas the 2 indexes in EA group had no significant changes during colonoscope insertion, and its splenic flexure passing, hepatic flexure passing and post-enteroscopy (P>0.05). Comparison between two groups showed that MAP at the time-point of colonoscope insertion, and HR at the time-point of colonoscope's splenic flexure passing in EA group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). BIS values of EA group were significantly lower than those of control group at different time-points after colonoscope insertion (P<0.01). Plasma beta-EP concentrations at the time-points of colonoscope's hepatic flexure passing and post-enteroscopy were evidently increased in both groups in comparison with pre-enteroscopy (P<0.01), and beta-EP was significantly lower in EA group than that in control group at the time-point of colonoscope's hepatic flexure passing (P<0.05). The dosage of Midazolam used for conscious-sedation and the scores of VAS and VSS were also considerably lower in EA group than those in control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant differences were found between two groups in the adverse reactions as dizziness, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, but the patients' satisfaction degree in EA group was evidently higher than that in control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture analgesia can effectively lower the colonoscopy patients' BIS value and plasma beta-EP level, meaning attenuation of the patients' stress responses during colonoscopy after EA.

[Study on HPLC fingerprint of Xuelian injection].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the HPLC fingerprint of Xuelian injection. METHOD: HPLC with Diamonsil C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column was used, the methanol-1% acetic acid as a mobile phase and detection wavelength at 270 nm. RESULT: Indicating 11 peaks on HPLC fingerprint. CONCLUSION: This method is simple and acurate with a good reproducibility and can be used as a quality control method for Xuelian injection.

[HPLC profile analysis of Ciwujia injection].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the HPLC profile of Ciwujia Injection. METHODS: HPLC profile of Ciwujia Injection from two different sources was developed. RESULTS: The methodological evaluation showed that this method had a good repeatability, and the ratio of common peak's area of different samples were different. CONCLUSION: This method can be used to differentiate Ciwujia Injection from different sources conveniently.